Marzamemi is a village in the province of Syracuse, on the Italian island of Sicily (in Italian, Sicilia). This means this Marzamemi itinerary is ideal for a day trip from Syracuse or even the perfect stop on a road trip through the Sicily region!

Marzamemi has a historical, cultural, and (especially) natural heritage of incalculable value, and is one of the most picturesque and photogenic seaside villages in Sicily, receiving thousands of visitors and tourists during the summer!

So, do you want to know more about 1 Day In Marzamemi: The Perfect Marzamemi Itinerary? Keep reading!

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Brief History of Marzamemi

Marzamemi was born around a fishing port and this activity soon became the village’s main livelihood. The Marzamemi tuna factory dates back to 1600 and was sold to Baron Simone Calascibetta in 1655. This family also promoted the construction of the sailors’ houses and the Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.

In the following centuries, other aristocratic families sponsored the development of Marzamemi: the Starrabba paid for new warehouses to preserve wine and salt, and a large millstone, while the Villadorata financed a steam mill, later converted into a distillery.

The debts accumulated by the Calascibetta since the end of the 18th century allowed the Villadorata to acquire a large part of the Marzamemi tuna factory. At the same time, the Royal House of Bourbon founded the Marzamemi-Pachino railway, improving connections with the port area and revitalizing maritime trade.

In 1912, Marzamemi gained a salted tuna processing factory and a tuna-to-oil processing factory after. Tuna fishing remained abundant until post-war but ended permanently in 1969 when the Villadorata family left the village.

Visiting Marzamemi

In my opinion, the best way to visit the village of Marzamemi is on a day trip from Syracuse. To get there from the fourth largest Sicilian city, you have only one option: travel by car (about 52 km).

However, Marzamemi is also an excellent stop on a road trip through the province of Syracuse or the region of Sicily! In this case, I suggest exploring other destinations nearby: Noto (23 km), Modica (41 km), Scicli (46 km), Palazzolo Acreide (53 km), or Ragusa (60 km).

Marzamemi Itinerary

Scogli di Marzamemi

This Marzamemi itinerary starts at the Rocks of Marzamemi (in Italian, Scogli di Marzamemi), a walking area by the sea. If you park your car at Parcheggio La Diga, the first thing you’ll see is the Marzamemi Rocks, as they are less than 100 meters away!

This pedestrian route goes around practically the entire village of Marzamemi, passing through its beaches and bathing areas. It’s therefore one of the most frequented places by Italian and foreign tourists, especially in July and August!

Belvedere de lo Scoglio

The next stop on this Marzamemi itinerary is the Viewpoint of the Rock (in Italian, Belvedere de lo Scoglio), about 300 meters from the Marzamemi Rocks. In fact, this viewpoint is a continuation of the tourist trail I mentioned earlier.

Along the way, you’ll pass by countless houses, the vast majority of which have been renovated for local accommodation – although there are also some local holiday homes. Other than that, it’s possible to admire the flower-filled terraces of several restaurants serving fish, seafood, or typically Sicilian food.

Antico Borgo dei Pescatori

This Marzamemi itinerary continues in the Old Fisherman’s Village (in Italian, Antico Borgo dei Pescatori), the heart of the village. Officially nicknamed Queen Margarita Square (in Italian, Piazza Regina Margherita), this square is the soul of the historic center of Marzamemi.

Around the Old Fisherman’s Village, you’ll find the Parish Church of Saint Francis of Paola, the Villadorata Palace, and the Old Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. The other buildings were the old fishermen’s houses, where different types of local businesses are now located.

Chiesa Madre di San Francesco di Paola

The next stop on this Marzamemi itinerary is the Parish Church of Saint Francis of Paola (in Italian, Chiesa Madre di San Francesco di Paola), the most important religious temple in the village. It’s dedicated to Saint Francis of Paola, the founder of the Order of Minims.

The Parish Church of Saint Francis of Paola was built after the Second World War, by the will of Pope Pius XI. The first stone was laid on July 2nd, 1945, but its inauguration only took place on January 4th, 1948. On August 19th, 1950, the monument was handed over to the village of Marzamemi.

Palazzo di Villadorata

This Marzamemi itinerary continues at the Villadorata Palace (in Italian, Palazzo di Villadorata), the most impressive tourist attraction in the small fishing village. As the name suggests, this palace belonged to the Villadorata, one of the aristocratic families who lived in Marzamemi.

Designed in the Baroque style by Italian architect Giovanni Vermexio, Villadorata Palace dates back to the mid-18th century. This former noble residence has two floors, the second floor consisting of a large quadrangular tower.

Chiesa Antica della Madonna del Carmelo

The next stop on this Marzamemi itinerary is the Old Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel (in Italian, Chiesa Antica della Madonna del Carmelo), the oldest religious temple in the village. Nowadays, it’s nothing more than a ruin hidden among snack bars and souvenir shops!

Like most of the buildings in Marzamemi (and other destinations, such as Noto), the Old Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel is made of sandstone, a raw material from the region. Built between 1748 and 1752 at the behest of Baron Bernardo Calascibetta, it remained open for worship until 1948.

Vicolo Villadorata

This Marzamemi itinerary continues in the Villadorata Alley (in Italian, Vicolo Villadorata), a small alley that was also named after this noble family, so influential in this village. Nevertheless, its size does not prevent it from being a hub for hundreds of tourists!

The successive souvenir shops along Villadorata Alley sell almost all the same types of products: ceramics, crockery, soaps, etc. Still, the most requested craft pieces are the “Testa di Moro” (or “Moor’s Head ”, in English) and “Pigna” (or “Pine”, in English)!

Largo Balata

The next stop on this Marzamemi itinerary is Balata Square (in Italian, Largo Balata), a small square at the end of Villadorata Alley. Facing the Old Marina Pier, it is one of the favorite places for tourists for its panoramic views over the calm waters of the Ionian Sea!

Like other squares and streets in the village of Marzamemi, Balata Square is surrounded by different types of food establishments. With colorful terraces installed in front of the Old Marina Pier, it’s an excellent recommendation for an evening!

Pontile Antica Marina

The last stop on this Marzamemi itinerary is the Old Marina Pier (in Italian, Pontile Antica Marina), the birthplace of this fishing village. It was from here that tuna fishing boats left – currently replaced by small and medium-sized recreational boats.

Still in this area, it’s possible to stroll along Saint Francis of Paola Wharf (in Italian, Molo San Francesco di Paola), the current Marzamemi fishing pier, in addition to seeing the Little Island or Brancati Islet (in Italian, Isola Piccola or Isolotto Brancati), a private villa.

Map of the Marzamemi Itinerary

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Where Do I Make My Reservations?

• Hotels and Accommodation: Booking.com
• Tours and Activities: GetYourGuide

What Photography Gear Do I Use?

• Camera Body: Fujifilm X-T4 Mirrorless
• Camera Lens: Fujinon XF 18-55 mm F2.8-4 R LM OIS
• Tripod: Manfrotto Compact Action
• Small Tripod: Manfrotto PIXI Mini
• Smartphone Adaptor: Manfrotto PIXI Clamp
• Memory Card: SanDisk 128GB Extreme PRO SDXC